Spring cleaning always gets me in the mood to refresh my craft space and update my project photo-taking. I usually take my project photos against a white background, but I've been wanting to try something different for a while. That's where my collaboration with Photowall came in – they sent me some beautiful wallpaper that I used as a background for my latest project: upcycling a sports bra with crochet!

Photowall is a Swedish company that offers a huge selection of wall decor products, including wallpaper, murals, prints, and posters. I was blown away by their design selection and had a hard time choosing just one. Ultimately, I went with a small section of their Whitewash Wood wallpaper, which worked perfectly for both flat lay and full body shots.

But before I show you my new project photos, let me tell you about the upcycling process. I had this old workout top with a built-in bra that I never really liked how it looked on me. However, I didn't want to donate it because the bra was still comfortable and so few sports bras fit me well. So, I decided to upcycle it with some crochet!

In the end, I'm thrilled with how the project turned out and I'm excited to share my new project photos with you. And if you're in need of wall decor or photo backgrounds, be sure to check out Photowall – they're offering Pops de Milk followers an exclusive 25% discount for the next two months (starting April 5, 2021). Just use the code popsdemilk25 at checkout.

Upcycling a sports bra with crochet

Materials:

• Sports bra, tank top, something you can build on

• Worsted weight (4) yarn - I used one entire skein of Caron Simply Soft in Country Blue

• Size 4.00 mm crochet hook

• Yarn needle

• Small sharp scissors

Step 1: Take apart your top, if needed. With yarn needle, sew a blanket stitch of about 1 cm wide all around the top bust edges. I used a bit of painters tape with 1 cm markings on it to guide me as I went along.

Step 2: Single crochet around the bra straps.

Step 3: Join yarn in a spot where the join seam won't be as visible (don't do what I did and make the join over the left boob).

Step 4: Make 2 double crochet stitches in each blanket stitch around.

Step 5: Continue working in each stitch around until the bodice reaches your desired length. (Since the front was a lot shorter than the back, I worked two rows in triple crochet in the front and half double crochet in the back to even things out a little).

Step 6: Weave in ends, sew any gaps shut, and you're done!

The sports bra I worked with had a bit of fabric up the middle that I wasn't sure how to cover at first but in the end I cut out the fabric and made single crochet stitches around the straps.

I am super happy and surprised at how well this turned out! I was worried there would be so much of the bra showing through, especially around the arm holes but the stitches fit so well. What do you think? Would you turn a sports bra into a crochet top?

If you make this upcycled sports bra I'd love to see your creation, just tag me on Instagram @popsdemilk_crochet and use the hashtag #popsdemilk

Looking for more crochet top patterns? Check these out:

Filet crochet top

Mesh summer top

Granny square sweater

Donut Sweater

Peephole Chevron Top

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This pattern is for personal use only. The pattern and its photos may not be reproduced, distributed or resold, translated, published, altered, shared or posted in any way over the internet or offline.

You may sell finished items made from this pattern as long as it is handmade by you, not mass produced, giving the credit to Pops de Milk / Patricia Castillo as the designer. If you have any questions, you can email me at patricia@popsdemilk.com